Fluid distributor

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic distributor serves to distribute specific doses of fluid, notably lubricant, in multiple and separate directions, these doses being pre-set in a different manner, and includes a single control component capable of being operated easily by means of an operating device which can be remote-controlled. The apparatus has units including a dose-measuring piston moving in a cylinder comprising an outlet at each end and whose travel is determined by an adjustable stop. In combination with this piston, each unit also includes a slide-valve whose section is distinctly smaller than that of the piston, and mounted in a cylinder each end of which is connected to the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder in the previous unit. The slidevalve controls both the intake of fluid pressure at one or other end of the dose-measuring cylinder, and the connection of one or other outlet of this cylinder to a delivery pipe leading to one of the feed points. The slide-valves in the different units are operated automatically one after the other under the inpetus of a control block positioned upstream of the whole unit and serving as a pilot. The distribution component of this block may be operated either manually or automatically.

United States Patent Bricout, deceased et al.

[4 1 Aug. 19, 1975 FLUID DISTRIBUTOR Inventors: Henri Bricout, deceased. late of Meudon. France. by Marie Bricout. Didier Bricout, Catherine Bricout, and Veronique Bricout, heirs. all of Meudon. France Assignee: Societe dApplications des Machines Motrices, lssy-les-Moulineaux, Haut-de-Seine, France [22] Filed: Sept. 16, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 506,189

Primary E.\'anzinerStanley H. Tollberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker 5 7] ABSTRACT A hydraulic distributor serves to distribute specific doses of fluid, notably lubricant, in multiple and separate directions, these closes being preset in a different manner, and includes a single control component capable of being operated easily by means of an operating device which can be remote-controlled. The apparatus has units including a dose-measuring piston moving in a cylinder comprising an outlet at each end and whose travel is determined by an adjustable stop. in combination with this piston, each unit also includes a slide-valve whose section is distinctly smaller than that of the piston, and mounted in a cylinder each end of which is connected to the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder in the previous unit. The slide-valve controls both the intake of fluid pressure at one or other endv of the dose-measuring cylinder, and the connection of one or other outlet of this cylinder to a delivery pipe leading to one of the feed points. The slide-valves in the different units are operated automatically one after the other under the inpetus of a control block positioned upstream of the whole unit and serving as a pilot. The distribution component of this block may be operated either manually or automatically.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Will 1 8 gym In I? Ill SiiL'iT 1 UP 3 PATENTED AUG 1 9 I975 PATENTEDAUGI 91975 3.900.137

sum-:1 2 0r 3 Y IIIIIIIIIIIIW l FLUID DISTRIBUTOR The present invention relates to hydraulic distributors making it possible, from a single feed pipe under pressure. to distribute specific doses of fluid. notably lubricant, in multiple and separate directions, these closes being pre-set in a different manner.

This kind of apparatus generally consists of a distribution unit comprising a series of cylinders in which there move pistons whose travel can be adjusted by means of adjustable stops. By means of a handcontrolled inverter, each end of these cylinders is alternately made to communicate with the outlet to be served, while the other is made to-communicate with the pressure. The different cylinders in the same apparatus are cut out parallel from the same block of metal and the inverter consists of a perpendicular axis with, in front of each cylinder, a series of two alternate communication holes.

This arrangement means that the higher the pressure, the harder the switching component is to turn, since the former is exerted on the latter perpendicularly to its generator. In these circumstances, it is difficult to envisage operating this component from a distance by means of an electromagnetic control mechanism, or similar.

This is why the object of the present invention is to achieve a distributor designed in such a way as to comprise a single control component capable of being operated easily by means of an operating device which can be remotecontrolled.

To this end, this apparatus consists of a series of units which may or may not be fashioned in the same block, and each including a dose-measuring piston moving in a cylinder comprising an outlet at each end and whose travel is determined by an adjustable stop, this distributor being characterised in that, in combination with this piston, each unit also includes a slide-valve whose section is distinctly smaller than that of the piston, and mounted in a cylinder each end of which is connected to the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder in the previous unit, which slide-valve controls both the intake of fluid pressure at one or other end of the dose-measuring cylinder and the connection of one or other outlet of this cylinder to a delivery pipe leading to one of the feed points, the arrangement being such that the slide-valves in the different units are operated automatically one after the other under the impetus of a control block positioned upstream of the whole unit and serving as a pilot, the distribution component of this block being operated either manually or automatically.

In a particular form of embodiment, the initial control block comprises a slide valve whose cylinder is connected in the middle'to the fluid intake pipe and which is so arranged that, in each farthest position, it provides on the one hand for the fluid to reach one of the ends of the cylinder in the slide-valve in the first part of the controlled unit, and on the other hand for the opposite end of this cylinder to communicate with the outlet of the same unit.

In another particular fom ofembodiment, the control block itself comprises a dosemeasuring piston with two delivery outlets, as well as a control slide-valve with several collars whose cylinder is connected in the middle with the fluid intake pipe and which is so arranged that, in each farthest position, it provides on the one hand for the fluid to reach one of the ends of the dosemeasuring cylinder of this control block, and on the other hand for the opposite end of this cylinder to communicate with the corresponding delivery pipe.

However, other peculiarities of the apparatus in accordance with the invention will emerge from the ensu ing description of two examples of embodiment thereof, This description is given with reference to the drawing which is attached as an indication only, and

where:

FIG. 1 is an overhead view of such an apparatus com prising four component parts;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 combines on the same plane longitudinal section views of these various components;

FIG. 4 is a similar view to FIG. 3, but which shows another form of embodiment of the present apparatus.

This apparatus is made up by combining four separate parts, manufactured separately, and designated by the general references la, 1b, 1c and 1d. These parts are all identical, with the exception of the first part la which constitutes the control block serving as a pilot for the whole unit. Each of these parts comprises a dose-measuring piston 20, 2b etc. with a large section, positioned in a corresponding cylinder 3a, 31; etc.

One of the ends of the latter is closed by a stopper 4a, 4b, etc. As regards the opposite end, it is fitted with another stopper 5a, 5b, etc., comprising an axial bore, inside which there slides a rod 6a, 6b, etc. carried by the corresponding end of the relevant piston. Each of these stoppers 5a, 512, etc., carries two longitudinal arms 7 whoseends are fixed to an internally threaded ring 8 and inside which is screwed a stopper 9a, 911, etc. However, the internal threading of the ring 8 continues on the inside faces of the arms 7 which correspond to portions of a circle of the same diameter.

Thus each stopper 9 can be screwed equally between these arms, which gives considerable latitude of movement. Now, each of these. stoppers makes it possible to adjust the travel imparted to the corresponding dosemeasuring pistons 2a, 2b, etc. It should be noted that, because of the arrangement so provided for, the exact position of each stopper is perfectly visible from outside and can thus be adjusted easily.

Each part of the present apparatus also includes a slide-valve 10a, 10!), positioned in a corresponding cylinder 11a, 1 lb and the arrangement is thesame in all of them, except as regards the slide-valve 10a of the first part la which constitutes the control block piloting all the other parts.

Each end of the dose-measuring cylinder 3 of a part is directly connected, via a pipe 12 or 13, to the corresponding end of the cylinder of the slide-valve 10b, of the next part. Moreover this latter cylinder communicates via two pipes l4, 15 with both ends of the corresponding dose-measuring cylinder. But the cylinder of the slide-valve also communicates via two other pipes 6, 17 with two outlet pipes 18 and 19.

Each slide-valve comprises two collars with a distinctly smaller section than that of the dose-measuring pistons. The two collars of each slide-valve are connected by a centre portion, of smaller section, capable of providing for the different communications required. In this connection, it should be noted that the orifices of the pipes l4, 15 as well as those of the pipes 16 and 18 are situated in the centre part of the cylinder of each slide-valve, on either side of the middle of the latter.

However, as already indicated, the arrangement of the slide-valve a of the control block la is different. In fact, while the slide-valves of the other parts are operated automatically one after the other, as will be explained later, the slide-valve of the control block is de signed to constitute the sole control component of the present apparatus. This control slide-valve can be operated from outside, either manually or by means of any suitable operating device, e.g. an automatic control device. For this purpose, one of the ends 20 of this slidevalve projects outside and can be coupled to the corresponding control device.

Moreover, the fluid intake pipe 21 from the single feed pipe gives into the middle of the cylinder 11a of this control slide-valve and the latter comprises four separate collars, not two.

The arrangement is such that, in each farthest position of this control slide-valve, the latter provides:

on the one hand, for the delivery of fluid under pressure to one of the ends of the corresponding dose-measuring cylinder 3a on the other hand, for the opposite end of this same cylinder to communicate with the respective delivery pipe 18 and 19 designed to feed one of the points of use.

In these circumstances, it is sufficient to cause the slide-valve 10a of the control block to slide in one direction or the other, to obtain automatic operation of the different parts one after the other.

Assuming thast all the parts are in the state illustrated in FIG. 3, it is sufficient to move the control slide-valve 10a in the direction of the arrow F to obtain operation of the slide-valves and dose-measuring pistons of the various parts one after the other.

In fact, as soon as the control slide-valve 10a reaches its farthest opposite position, the fluid coming from the orifice 21 reaches the left end of dose-measuring cylinder 30. Consequently, this moves to the right in the direction of arrow F. The fluid delivered at the opposite end of this cylinder can then come out of it through pipe to reach'pipe l7 and, finally, delivery pipe 19, this sequence of communication being provided for by the control slide-valve 10a.

But the fluid which has reached the left-hand end of dose-measuring cylinder 3a can at the same time reach pipe 12 and the corresponding end of the cylinder of the slide-valve 10b of the next part lb. This therefore causes this slide-valve to move to the right in the direction of arrow F. As soon as this slide-valve has reached its farthest opposite position, the fluid under pressure can reach the left-hand end of the dose-measuring cylinder 3b, which cause delivery of the fluid to the opposite end in pipe 15 in the direction of pipe 17 and the external outlet 19. Of course, the same sequence of operation is repeated in each part in succession until the last.

At that time, it is sufficient to move the slide'valve 10a of the control block in the opposite direction to arrow F to obtain a fresh operating sequence in the opposite direction. Each complete operating cycle thus includes two successive sequences. in one direction and the other respectively.

It is possible to provide for a system automatically returning the slide-valve of the control block to its initial position after completion of a first operating sequence of the various slide-valves and dose-measuring pistons in one direction. This makes it possible automatically to ensure the performance of the second sequence of the same cycle. After which, if the slide-valve 10a of the control block is not deliberately operated, the apparatus is then in the at rest position, although under pressure.

Each complete operating cycle comprising two sequences in opposite directions can be recorded on a suitable meter, such as the meter 22 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The operating component 23 thereof can then be operated at the end of each cycle by a rod 24 carried by the end of the dose-measuring piston 2d of the last part, opposite the one which is already fitted with the rod 6d. This rod 24 then engages through a bore provided in the corresponding stopper 4d.

The blocks constituting the various component parts 1a, lb etc. of the same apparatus comprise transversal bores 25 making it possible to join them side by side by means of threaded rods 26 and corresponding nuts, clamps 27 being positioned at the ends. It is an advantage for the latter to have holes 28 enabling the corresponding apparatus easily to be fixed on any desired support.

The operation of this apparatus presents no difficulty since it is sufficient to cause the slide-valve 10a of the control block la to slide in one direction or the other. Now this operation calls for limited effort which can possibly be supplied by a remote-control device, e.g. an electromagnet.

FIG. 4 shows a variant wherein the control block of the corresponding set of parts 1e, lf, etc., lacks the dose-measuring piston. This control block comprises a slide-valve 31 with four collars of the same design as the slide-valve 10a of the control block of the previous form of embodiment. In fact a fluid intake pipe 21a gives into the centre part of the cylinder 32 of this control slide-valve. Two pipes 14a and 15a start on either side of the centre part of this cylinder and are connected, by pipes or passages 12a and 13a, to both ends of the cylinder of the slide-valve 10a of the first part 1e of the corresponding unit.

This part, like the others, is identical with parts lb, 1c, 1d in the previous form of embodiment and the connections are the same.

However, two additional connections 33 and 34 are provided between the first part le of the unit and the control block 30. Each of these connections connects one of the outlets 18 or 19 of part 1e -to a portion of the cylinder 32 of the control block, close to the start of one of the pipes 14a or 15a. The object of the two additional connections so provided is to allow complete movement of slide-valve 10s of the first part in one direction or the other by allowing the fluid delivered at the end of the stroke to escape through connection 12a or 13a to return via one of the additional connections 33 or 34 to the outlet 18 or 19 of part le in question.

The operating of the various parts 1e, 1 f and others is the same as before. Now, this operation is determined by the movement of the control side-valve 31 in one direction or the other. In the example shown, this is controlled by an electro-magnet 35 placed at one of the ends of the control block 30, a return spring 36 being provided at the opposite end. However, any other control device could be used.

The present variant has the advantage of allowing easier embodiment of the control block, which can indeed consist of an electro-valve of known type suitably connected to the first distributor part of the corresponding unit.

However, the control block shown in FIG. 4 could be replaced by other suitable control devices comprising a mobile control component other than a slide-valve, eg a rotary distribution chamber.

As already indicated. it is possible to use various control devices to operate the distribution component of the control block. In fact, the following different systems can be provided for:

-- manual control singleor double-acting mechanical control singleor double-acting hydraulic control singleor double-acting electromechanical control.

In the forms of embodiment described and shown, the various component parts of the present apparatus consist of separate blocks manufactured separately and later joined side by side or on a common support. This has the advantage of allowing larger or smaller units to be made, comprising the required number of outlets. However. the component parts of the present apparatus can also be fashioned from a single block.

As already indicated, this apparatus is designed to provide for the distribution of pre-set doses of fluid, e.g. lubricant, to different points of use, this from a single feed pipe under pressure. This apparatus can therefore be used to lubricate different machines or mechanical devices. e.g. to lubricate the various bearings of a specific machine.

We claim:

1. A fluid distributor, for distributing from a single pipe under pressure a plurality of separate predetermined doses of fluid. comprising:

A. a series of devices each including i. a dose-measuring cylinder having an outlet at each end.

ii. a dose-measuring piston movable in said cylinder,

iii. adjustable stop means determining the travel of said piston in said cylinder,

iv. a slide valve associated with said piston and having a smaller cross-section than said piston,

v. a cylinder receiving said slide valve and having its ends communicating each with a respective end of the dose-measuring cylinder of the next previous device of said series,

vi. a delivery conduit leading to a point to be supplied with fluid. said slide-valve controlling (a) intake of fluid under pressure selectively at one and the other end of said dose-measuring cylinder, and (b) connection selectively of one and the other outlet of said dose measuring cylinder to said delivery conduit, and

B. a control block positioned upstream of the fluid distributor and serving a pilot. said control block serving to operate the slide-valves of the respective devices of said series of devices automatically one after the other.

LII

2. A distributor, in accordance with claim I wherein the arrangement of the said slide-valves of said devices is such that the movement of one of them in one direction governs the arrival of the fluid against one of the ends of the dose-measuring piston of the same device and the exit of the fluid so forced by the latter towards the opposite end, while the fluid can henceforward act on the control slide-valve of the next device of the series, to the end of the series.

3. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein, for each device, the two communication channels of the cylinder of the control slide-valve, leading respectively to the ends of the dose-measuring cylinder of the device and to the delivery pipes, are situated in the centre portion of said cylinder of the slide-valve, on each side of the center thereof, said slide-valve, which has two collars connected by a portion with a smaller section, provides in each end position for one of the ends of its cylinder to communicate with the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder of the same device, and for the connection of the opposite end of the dosemeasuring cylinder to the respective delivery pipe.

4. A distributor, in accordance with claim 2, wherein, for each device, the two communication channels of the cylinder of the control slide-valve, leading respectively to the ends of the dose-measuring cylinder of the device and to the delivery pipes, are situated in the cen tre portion of said cylinder of the slide-valve, on each side of the center thereof, said slide-valve, which has two collars connected by a portion with a smaller section, provides in each end position for one of the ends of its cylinder to communicate with the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder of the same device, and for the connection of the opposite end of the dosemeasuring cylinder to the respective delivery pipe.

5. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that said control block comprises a slidevalve including a cylinder connected at the middle to the fluid intake pipe, said slide-valve being such that, in each end position, it provides respectively for the fluid to reach one of the ends of the cylinder of the slide-valve of the first device of the series, and for the opposite end of this cylinder to communicate with the outlet of this same device.

6. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said control block comprises (i) a dose-measuring piston having two delivery outlets, (ii) a control slidevalve with a plurality of collars and a cylinder connected at the middle to said fluid intake pipe, said slidevalve providing in each end position respectively for the fluid to reach one of the ends of the dose-measuring cylinder of said control block, and for the opposite end of this cylinder to communicate with the corresponding delivery pipe.

7. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the components are blocks manufactured separately and joined side by side in number according to the number of outlets requiredv 

1. A fluid distributor, for distributing from a single pipe under pressure a plurality of separate predetermined doses of fluid, comprising: A. a series of devices each including i. a dose-measuring cylinder having an outlet at each end, ii. a dose-measuring piston movable in said cylinder, iii. adjustable stop means determining the travel of said piston in said cylinder, iv. a slide valve associated with said piston and having a smaller cross-section than said piston, v. a cylinder receiving said slide valve and having its ends communicating each with a respective end of the dose-measuring cylinder of the next previous device of said series, vi. a delivery conduit leading to a point to be supplied with fluid, said slide-valve controlling (a) intake of fluid under pressure selectively at one and the other end of said dosemeasuring cylinder, and (b) connection selectively of one and the other outlet of said dose-measuring cylinder to said delivery conduit, and B. a control block positioned upstream of the fluid distributor and serving as a pilot, said control block serving to operate the slide-valves of the respective devices of said series of devices automatically one after the other.
 2. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1 wherein the arrangement of the said slide-valves of said devices is such that the movement of one of them in one direction governs the arrival of the fluid against one of the ends of the dose-measuring piston of the same device and the exit of the fluid so forced by the latter towards the opposite end, while the fluid can henceforward act on the control slide-valve of the next device of the series, to the end of the series.
 3. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein, for each device, the two communication channels of the cylinder of the control slide-valve, leading respectively to the ends of the dose-measuring cylinder of the device and to the delivery pipes, are situated in the centre portion of said cylinder of the slide-valve, on each side of the center thereof, said slide-valve, which has two collars connected by a portion with a smaller section, provides in each end position for one of the ends of its cylinder to communicate with the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder of the same device, and for the connection of the opposite end of the dose-measuring cylinder to the respective delivery pipe.
 4. A distributor, in accordance with claim 2, wherein, for each device, the two communication channels of the cylinder oF the control slide-valve, leading respectively to the ends of the dose-measuring cylinder of the device and to the delivery pipes, are situated in the centre portion of said cylinder of the slide-valve, on each side of the center thereof, said slide-valve, which has two collars connected by a portion with a smaller section, provides in each end position for one of the ends of its cylinder to communicate with the corresponding end of the dose-measuring cylinder of the same device, and for the connection of the opposite end of the dose-measuring cylinder to the respective delivery pipe.
 5. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that said control block comprises a slide-valve including a cylinder connected at the middle to the fluid intake pipe, said slide-valve being such that, in each end position, it provides respectively for the fluid to reach one of the ends of the cylinder of the slide-valve of the first device of the series, and for the opposite end of this cylinder to communicate with the outlet of this same device.
 6. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said control block comprises (i) a dose-measuring piston having two delivery outlets, (ii) a control slide-valve with a plurality of collars and a cylinder connected at the middle to said fluid intake pipe, said slide-valve providing in each end position respectively for the fluid to reach one of the ends of the dose-measuring cylinder of said control block, and for the opposite end of this cylinder to communicate with the corresponding delivery pipe.
 7. A distributor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the components are blocks manufactured separately and joined side by side in number according to the number of outlets required. 